Fox News Hourly Update – 9AM ET, February 2, 2026: Episode Summary
Main Theme
This episode delivers a concise roundup of key U.S. and global news stories, focusing on political developments in Congress, government funding negotiations, immigration policy, significant moments from the Grammy Awards, ongoing weather emergencies, foreign policy updates involving Cuba and Iran, changes in the Gaza border situation, NASA’s upcoming lunar mission, and stock market outlooks.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Narrower Republican Majority in the House (00:03–00:35)
- Democrats gain a seat: Texas Democratic Representative Christian Menifee wins a special election, reducing the Republican House majority to a single vote if sworn in today.
- Impact on governance: This tighter margin is expected to embolden Democrats, specifically in debates over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and ICE operations.
- Notable Quote:
- “What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed.”
— Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Minority Leader (00:29)
- “What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed.”
2. Government Shutdown & Spending Bill Update (00:35–00:50)
- Current situation: Republicans are seeking to end a partial government shutdown.
- Spending Bill details: Compromise extends government funding through September, except Homeland Security, which is only funded for an additional two weeks.
3. Immigration Enforcement & Grammy Awards Highlights (00:50–01:34)
- Controversial ICE case: A federal judge orders the release and return of a five-year-old boy and his father previously detained in Minnesota, drawing public scrutiny and protest.
- Artist activism at the Grammys:
- Kendrick Lamar sets new Grammy records; Bad Bunny wins big.
- Multiple artists—including Olivia Dean and Billie Eilish—use the Grammy platform to criticize ICE.
- Notable Moment:
- “Bad Bunny wasn’t the only artist to speak out against ICE. British artist Olivia Dean… and Billie Eilish honored for Song of the Year… also addressed the issue.” (01:19–01:34)
4. President Trump’s Reaction to the Grammys (01:34)
- Trump’s commentary:
- “The Grammys are the worst and was virtually unwatchable.”
— President Trump on Truth Social
- “The Grammys are the worst and was virtually unwatchable.”
5. Winter Storms & Groundhog Day Update (01:35–01:55)
- Groundhog Day outcome: Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow—six more weeks of winter.
- Weather consequences: A significant snowstorm in the Carolinas; ongoing widespread power outages in the southern U.S.
6. U.S. Foreign Policy: Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran (01:55–02:57)
- Venezuela:
- U.S. operation results in capture of Nicolas Maduro, now jailed in New York on terror and drug charges.
- Cuba:
- President Trump comments on Cuba’s instability following the loss of Venezuelan support.
- Notable Quote:
- “It’s been for a long time. But now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up. So we’re talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba, to see what happens.”
— President Trump (02:30)
- “It’s been for a long time. But now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up. So we’re talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba, to see what happens.”
- Iran:
- Tensions as Iran’s supreme leader warns of regional war if the U.S. attacks again.
- Trump asserts U.S. military strength and openness to negotiation:
- “We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close couple of days and hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
— President Trump (02:47–02:57)
- “We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close couple of days and hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
7. Gaza-Egypt Rafah Crossing Reopens (02:57–03:35)
- Ceasefire in Gaza:
- Release of last Israeli hostages from the 2023 Hamas terror attack.
- Rafah border crossing opens for limited traffic, under EU supervision, after being long closed by the Israeli military.
- Segment Highlight:
- “Thousands of people in Gaza needing medical care have been waiting to get out. Thousands of others have been waiting to come back in and return home.”
— Chris Foster (03:18)
- “Thousands of people in Gaza needing medical care have been waiting to get out. Thousands of others have been waiting to come back in and return home.”
8. NASA Mission & Congressional Oversight (03:35–04:07)
- Moon mission prep:
- NASA to conduct fuel test for a coming crewed lunar flyby.
- Congressional hearings:
- House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to discuss NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, focusing on human exploration of the moon and Mars. President Trump reiterates U.S. commitment to a Mars landing.
- “Reauthorization reaffirms America’s leadership in space by advancing human exploration.”
— Rep. Brian Babin, Committee Chairman (03:51)
9. Wall Street Morning Outlook (04:07–04:17)
- Stock futures: Mixed before the opening bell.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:29 | Hakeem Jeffries | “What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed.” | | 01:19 | Michelle Paulina (Grammys)| “…Bad Bunny wasn’t the only artist to speak out against ICE. British artist Olivia Dean… and Billie Eilish… also addressed the issue.” | | 01:34 | President Trump | “The Grammys are the worst and was virtually unwatchable.” | | 02:30 | President Trump | “It has been for a long time. But now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up. So we’re talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba, to see what happens.” | | 02:47 | President Trump | “We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close couple of days and hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.” | | 03:18 | Chris Foster (Gaza) | “Thousands of people in Gaza needing medical care have been waiting to get out. Thousands of others have been waiting to come back in and return home.” | | 03:51 | Rep. Brian Babin | “Reauthorization reaffirms America’s leadership in space by advancing human exploration.” |
Timestamps for Major Segments
- (00:03–00:35): Democratic win narrows GOP House majority
- (00:35–00:50): Congress works to end shutdown, details on spending bill
- (00:50–01:19): ICE controversy, Grammy Awards news and activism
- (01:34): Trump reacts to Grammys
- (01:35–01:55): Winter storms, Groundhog Day
- (01:55–02:57): Venezuela, Cuba, Iran – foreign affairs
- (02:57–03:35): Gaza-Egypt border, ceasefire aftermath
- (03:35–04:07): NASA mission, House hearing on space program
- (04:07–04:17): Stock market update
Summary Takeaway
In a packed bulletin, this edition of the Fox News Hourly Update captures dramatic shifts in Congress, ongoing partisanship over immigration and border security, celebrity activism at the Grammys, intense winter weather challenges, pivotal moves in U.S. foreign policy, fresh hope for movement in and out of Gaza, and America’s push to remain at the forefront of space exploration. The tone fluctuates between urgent policy updates and punchy commentary, offering a sharp snapshot of a fast-moving news day.